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Back in June, when the Alouettes were seeking a Canadian defensive-tackle at the start of the regular season, they re-signed Don Oramasionwu, a free-agent addition last winter from Edmonton, and activated him on short notice.

Fabion Foote, a non-import defensive-tackle — and Montreal’s top draft choice last May — was overlooked in the process. And, thus, began an arduous 15-week process of sitting and waiting for the rookie.

Alouettes' shoe is on the other Foote with rookie's activation against EskimosBack to video

Foote’s patience will pay off Monday afternoon at Molson Stadium (2 p.m., TSN, RDS, TSN Radio-690) against the Eskimos. He finally has been activated and expects to be part of the Als’ 44-man active roster.

“It feels good. I’ve been practicing hard every week. I feel great to finally get an opportunity to show what I can do and help the team get a win,” said Foote, who was selected in the second-round (12th overall) after spending four years at Hamilton’s McMaster University.

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Foote admitted it was tough remaining patient. “But I understood the situation. I respected the wishes of the coaches, did what I had to do at practice to get better. They’re just guys in front of me.”

Alouettes head coach Kavis Reed reacts to a play during second half CFL football action against the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017. The Edmonton Eskimos last won on Aug. 10, a day before Montreal last tasted victory. It is a must-win for Montreal, which will be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss on Monday, OCt. 9, 2017.Jeff McIntosh/THE CANADIAN PRESS

The dynamics of Monday’s game prove intriguing, as both teams are reeling and appear vulnerable. The Als (3-11) have lost seven consecutive games and will be eliminated from playoff contention with another defeat, thanks to Ottawa’s victory at British Columbia on Saturday.

Edmonton (7-6) occupies the fourth, and final, playoff berth in the West Division but, after launching their season with seven consecutive victories, the visitors are on a six-game losing skid.

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Als general manager Kavis Reed, the man responsible for selecting Foote, said the player’s inactivity isn’t yet another black mark against the organization. Reed said Foote didn’t get an opportunity because of the ratio. Besides, he quickly added, players are drafted to develop them for the future. There was no immediate need to play Foote, he maintained.

But now, the time has come to see what the Als inherited. “We feel strongly we need to know what he is,” Reed explained. “We need to know, whether or not in game situations, what he does on the practice field will translate.

“If it doesn’t 100 per cent, we know where we need to coach him. Drafting is about developing them. We have to put him on the field to develop him.”

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Despite only one year of high school football, Foote became a regular on the Marauders’ defence. Charitably listed at 6-foot-2, the 285 pounder had a pedestrian 17 tackles and 2.5 quarterback sacks over his first three seasons before exploding in 2016 as a senior. That year, he produced 36 defensive tackles, eight tackles for losses and three sacks.

He was ranked 18th by the Canadian Football League’s scouting bureau, and there were some throughout the league surprised Montreal selected him that high, especially when the team appeared deep at the position.

“I don’t really look at where I was drafted. I’m just looking at where I’m going to end up,” Foote explained. “It’s good being a high draft pick, but nothing’s guaranteed, whether I’m the first or last pick. It doesn’t really matter. It’s all about what I’m doing.

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“I was able to stay positive,” he continued. “I just told myself my opportunity would come. I had to stay patient. It was tough, but that’s football. You have to go through it sometimes.”

Foote hasn’t played a meaningful game in almost a year, since the first week of November, when McMaster was eliminated in the Ontario conference semifinal playoffs by Wilfrid Laurier.

Because he’s not tall, he must remain low and rely on his leverage to succeed. Foote’s considered strong at the point of attack with heavy hands. Now he must work on his pass-rush repertoire, according to Reed.

Greg Quick, who started the season as the Als’ defensive-line coach, has obviously worked closely with Foote, watching him develop as a player, while mature as a first-year pro on a daily basis. Quick, who now calls the defensive plays, said there’s a developmental phase with any rookie and has compared Foote with Saskatchewan’s Eddie Steele.

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“I told him to use this time as a time to grow as a professional and a man, so when your opportunity comes, you’re prepared to step across the threshold,” Quick explained. “I think he’s ready. The door has been opened this week. This is his opportunity to continue to flourish.

“He’s such a physical player. At the university level, he was able to win just with those physical traits. He had to become more fine-tuned in using the skills and developing his craft. He’s gone from being a university boy to being a professional man. He’s matured greatly,” Quick added. “I think Fabion’s going to make it because of the maturity, development and because of his attitude.”

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With Darian Durant continuing to recover from a hamstring injury, Drew Willy starts at quarterback for a second consecutive game. Rookie Matthew Shiltz, who came into the game late at Calgary, might get playing time if the score gets out of hand. And if the Als are eliminated on Monday, anything’s possible moving forward. Montreal has a bye week in the schedule following the game.

Shiltz completed eight of 10 passes for 75 yards against the Stampeders.

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